super game online casino
Tickets to the $1 Billion Mega Millions Draw available this Christmas Eve on Jackpot.comNo. 7 Alabama looks to remain in playoff contention with a visit to OklahomaNone
If you care about democracy (and hate Elon Musk), join BlueskyDear Eric: We live on a lake and love hosting our great-nieces and nephews on school breaks and the entire family on vacations. My husband and I have no children. Our niece’s families are dear to us. Our 11-year-old great-nephew has been gaming now for about a year. When he comes to visit, instead of reading or playing cards or board games with us, he wants to disappear with his video games. We feel vacated. How do we navigate this with his parents who think his being on a video gaming team at school is awesome and I think it is a bad omen? What is a fair place of compromise and balance? — Game Off Dear Game Off: Let his parents parent their child. The other night I re-watched the movie “Network” from 1977. In it, a character in his 60s dismisses a character played by Faye Dunaway by saying, “She’s the television generation. She learned life from Bugs Bunny. The only reality she knows is what comes to her over her TV set.” People are also reading... Every generation has anxieties about the ways that technology is changing social interactions or altering the minds of the generations below. While some of those concerns are valid, those of Faye Dunaway’s generation (now in their 70s and 80s) would argue that they’ve managed to stay quite well-rounded, despite TV. In moderation, video games have been shown to improve a child’s cognitive function and working memory. While your great-nephew’s gaming might not be your choice, it’s important that you not seek to undermine the research and thinking that his parents have done about it. What you’re really yearning for is a sense of togetherness as a family, so try talking to your niece and her spouse about group activities you can plan to meet your great-nephew where he is. Dear Eric: I eat at a local restaurant a couple times a week and tend to get one of three meals. This one waitress asks me what I want to eat, but then interrupts me to make guesses or tell me my choice. I just put my head down and nod yes or no to the guesses. It’s frustrating, but not life-threatening. She enjoys it. I hate it. However, if I were to say something, it would force her to make the choice of being herself, doing something she likes doing, or appeasing me so I can order the way I want to order. I don’t know if this is a big enough problem to have a “high road.” The answer will not change my life. She can easily change, and I can easily suffer. The question is who gets to be themselves? — Speaking Up Dear Speaking Up: I worked in the service industry for more than a decade. I loved it. I loved seeing regulars, meeting new people and carrying a lot of beverages in my hands at one time. The whole bit. I also loved knowing what people wanted, but I would always ask and confirm. That’s part of the job. She may think you’re a regular who likes to be known in this way. So, informing her that that’s not the case won’t be keeping her from being herself. It will be helping her to do her job better. You may not have the kind of temperament that easily or comfortably course-corrects in social situations. That’s just fine. But know you won’t be causing her suffering by saying something like, “I’ve already decided on my meal. Let’s skip the guessing today and I’ll just tell you.” This also clears the path for the two of you to talk about something else, if you want. Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com . Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Cybercrime: Namibia must ‘get its house in order’NonePresident-elect Donald Trump on Saturday nominated Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as the US ambassador to France, in the latest of several controversial picks. Kushner "is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our Country & its interests," Trump said on his Truth Social website, adding that Jared "worked closely with me in the White House." The choice is in keeping with Trump's pattern, so far, of selecting people, often wealthy, who are close to his family or of proven loyalty. Kushner is a multimillionaire real estate executive and former attorney; his son was a senior adviser during Trump's first term. Trump did not mention, however, that the elder Kushner once served jail time -- a two-year sentence, most of it served in a federal prison. Kushner, who is now 70, pleaded guilty in 2004 to 18 counts of tax evasion, witness tampering and making illegal campaign contributions. The case, which was prosecuted by then US attorney Chris Christie, included sordid details, to which Kushner admitted: that he had hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law, a man cooperating in a campaign finance inquiry, and then videotaped the encounter and sent it to the man's wife, Kushner's sister, to dissuade her from testifying against him. Christie, who worked on Trump's first presidential transition team and then opposed him in this year's Republican primary contests, later said Kushner had committed a "loathsome" and "disgusting crime." In 2020, Trump issued a pardon to Kushner, whose conviction had resulted in him being disbarred in three states. Nominees for key ambassadorships are often business associates of a president-elect, or major political donors. But it is rare, if not unprecedented, to name a convicted felon. The first two men to fill the prestigious Paris post were famed inventor and statesman Benjamin Franklin and a future president, Thomas Jefferson. If confirmed, Kushner would succeed Denise Bauer, a former ambassador to Belgium who was a major Democratic fundraiser and donor. md/bbk/mdNETA NATTER | KTR EYES ‘JAIL ROUTE’ FOR TOP JOB
Dana Hull | (TNS) Bloomberg News Jared Birchall, Elon Musk’s money manager and the head of his family office, is listed as the chief executive officer. Jehn Balajadia, a longtime Musk aide who has worked at SpaceX and the Boring Co., is named as an official contact. Related Articles National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action National Politics | A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his own National Politics | President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peak National Politics | Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use But they’re not connected to Musk’s new technology venture, or the political operation that’s endeared him to Donald Trump. Instead, they’re tied to the billionaire’s new Montessori school outside Bastrop, Texas, called Ad Astra, according to documents filed with state authorities and obtained via a Texas Public Information Act request. The world’s richest person oversees an overlapping empire of six companies — or seven, if you include his political action committee. Alongside rockets, electric cars, brain implants, social media and the next Trump administration, he is increasingly focused on education, spanning preschool to college. One part of his endeavor was revealed last year, when Bloomberg News reported that his foundation had set aside roughly $100 million to create a technology-focused primary and secondary school in Austin, with eventual plans for a university. An additional $137 million in cash and stock was allotted last year, according to the most recent tax filing for the Musk Foundation. Ad Astra is closer to fruition. The state documents show Texas authorities issued an initial permit last month, clearing the way for the center to operate with as many as 21 pupils. Ad Astra’s website says it’s “currently open to all children ages 3 to 9.” The school’s account on X includes job postings for an assistant teacher for preschool and kindergarten and an assistant teacher for students ages 6 to 9. To run the school, Ad Astra is partnering with a company that has experience with billionaires: Xplor Education, which developed Hala Kahiki Montessori school in Lanai, Hawaii, the island 98% owned by Oracle Corp. founder Larry Ellison. Ad Astra sits on a highway outside Bastrop, a bedroom community about 30 miles from Austin and part of a region that’s home to several of Musk’s businesses. On a visit during a recent weekday morning, there was a single Toyota Prius in the parking lot and no one answered the door at the white building with a gray metal roof. The school’s main entrance was blocked by a gate, and there was no sign of any children on the grounds. But what information there is about Ad Astra makes it sound like a fairly typical, if high-end, Montessori preschool. The proposed schedule includes “thematic, STEM-based activities and projects” as well as outdoor play and nap time. A sample snack calendar features carrots and hummus. While Birchall’s and Balajadia’s names appear in the application, it isn’t clear that they’ll have substantive roles at the school once it’s operational. Musk, Birchall and Balajadia didn’t respond to emailed questions. A phone call and email to the school went unanswered. Access to high quality, affordable childcare is a huge issue for working parents across the country, and tends to be an especially vexing problem in rural areas like Bastrop. Many families live in “childcare deserts” where there is either not a facility or there isn’t an available slot. Opening Ad Astra gives Musk a chance to showcase his vision for education, and his support for the hands-on learning and problem solving that are a hallmark of his industrial companies. His public comments about learning frequently overlap with cultural concerns popular among conservatives and the Make America Great Again crowd, often focusing on what he sees as young minds being indoctrinated by teachers spewing left-wing propaganda. He has railed against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and in August posted that “a lot of schools are teaching white boys to hate themselves.” Musk’s educational interests dovetail with his new role as Trump’s “first buddy.” The billionaire has pitched a role for himself that he — and now the incoming Trump administration — call “DOGE,” or the Department of Government Efficiency. Though it’s not an actual department, DOGE now posts on X, the social media platform that Musk owns. “The Department of Education spent over $1 billion promoting DEI in America’s schools,” the account posted Dec. 12. Back in Texas, Bastrop is quickly becoming a key Musk point of interest. The Boring Co., his tunneling venture, is based in an unincorporated area there. Across the road, SpaceX produces Starlink satellites at a 500,000-square-foot (46,000-square-meter) facility. Nearby, X is constructing a building for trust and safety workers. Musk employees, as well as the general public, can grab snacks at the Boring Bodega, a convenience store housed within Musk’s Hyperloop Plaza, which also contains a bar, candy shop and hair salon. Ad Astra is just a five-minute drive away. It seems to have been designed with the children of Musk’s employees — if not Musk’s own offspring — in mind. Musk has fathered at least 12 children, six of them in the last five years. “Ad Astra’s mission is to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in the next generation of problem solvers and builders,” reads the school’s website. A job posting on the website of the Montessori Institute of North Texas says “While their parents support the breakthroughs that expand the realm of human possibility, their children will grow into the next generation of innovators in a way that only authentic Montessori can provide.” The school has hired an executive director, according to documents Bloomberg obtained from Texas Health and Human Services. Ad Astra is located on 40 acres of land, according to the documents, which said a 4,000-square-foot house would be remodeled for the preschool. It isn’t uncommon for entrepreneurs to take an interest in education, according to Bill Gormley, a professor emeritus at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University who studies early childhood education. Charles Butt, the chairman of the Texas-based H-E-B grocery chain, has made public education a focus of his philanthropy. Along with other business and community leaders, Butt founded “Raise Your Hand Texas,” which advocates on school funding, teacher workforce and retention issues and fully funding pre-kindergarten. “Musk is not the only entrepreneur to recognize the value of preschool for Texas workers,” Gormley said. “A lot of politicians and business people get enthusiastic about education in general — and preschool in particular — because they salivate at the prospect of a better workforce.” Musk spent much of October actively campaigning for Trump’s presidential effort, becoming the most prolific donor of the election cycle. He poured at least $274 million into political groups in 2024, including $238 million to America PAC, the political action committee he founded. While the vast majority of money raised by America PAC came from Musk himself, it also had support from other donors. Betsy DeVos, who served as education secretary in Trump’s first term, donated $250,000, federal filings show. The Department of Education is already in the new administration’s cross hairs. Trump campaigned on the idea of disbanding the department and dismantling diversity initiatives, and he has also taken aim at transgender rights. “Rather than indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, sexual, and political material, which is what we’re doing now, our schools must be totally refocused to prepare our children to succeed in the world of work,” Trump wrote in Agenda 47, his campaign platform. Musk has three children with the musician Grimes and three with Shivon Zilis, who in the past was actively involved at Neuralink, his brain machine interface company. All are under the age of five. Musk took X, his son with Grimes, with him on a recent trip to Capitol Hill. After his visit, he shared a graphic that showed the growth of administrators in America’s public schools since 2000. Musk is a fan of hands-on education. During a Tesla earnings call in 2018, he talked about the need for more electricians as the electric-car maker scaled up the energy side of its business. On the Joe Rogan podcast in 2020, Musk said that “too many smart people go into finance and law.” “I have a lot of respect for people who work with their hands and we need electricians and plumbers and carpenters,” Musk said while campaigning for Trump in Pennsylvania in October. “That’s a lot more important than having incremental political science majors.” Ad Astra’s website says the cost of tuition will be initially subsidized, but in future years “tuition will be in line with local private schools that include an extended day program.” “I do think we need significant reform in education,” Musk said at a separate Trump campaign event. “The priority should be to teach kids skills that they will find useful later in life, and to leave any sort of social propaganda out of the classroom.” With assistance from Sophie Alexander and Kara Carlson. ©2024 Bloomberg News. Visit at bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Wi-Fi Analytics Market Analysis By Top Keyplayers - Purple, GoZone WiFi, MetTel, July Systems, Bloom Intelligence, Cloud4Wi, Telstra, Cisco Systems, Ruckus Wireless, Hughes Systique, Blix, Nyansa 11-25-2024 12:45 AM CET | IT, New Media & Software Press release from: Verified Market Research The "Wi-Fi Analytics Market" is expected to reach USD xx.x billion by 2031, indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of xx.x percent from 2024 to 2031. The market was valued at USD xx.x billion In 2023. Growing Demand and Growth Potential in the Global Wi-Fi Analytics Market, 2024-2031 Verified Market Research's most recent report, "Wi-Fi Analytics Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2023-2030," provides an in-depth examination of the industry that includes insights into the market analysis. Along with competition and geographical research, the report also covers recent developments in the worldwide industry. The market for cosmetic packaging has been rising dramatically in recent years due to a variety of important factors, including rising product demand, a greater client base, and developments in technology. The market is thoroughly examined in this study, along with its size, trends, factors driving and impeding growth, competitive aspects, and potential for expansion. Download Full PDF Sample Copy of Wi-Fi Analytics Report @ https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/download-sample/?rid=219282&utm_source=Openpr&utm_medium=210 Wi-Fi Analytics Market business report has been produced with a thorough grasp of the business environment that best fits the client's needs. This market analysis can also help businesses understand sustainability initiatives and financial growth. This report's explanation of market drivers and constraints helps readers understand how many factors might affect how much demand a given product has from consumers. All of the leading companies' and brands' company profiles are included in this market analysis. In-depth research and analysis are used to appropriately elaborate on each area in order to produce an accurate Wi-Fi Analytics Market survey report. Who is the largest manufacturers of Wi-Fi Analytics Market worldwide? Purple GoZone WiFi MetTel July Systems Bloom Intelligence Cloud4Wi Telstra Cisco Systems Ruckus Wireless Hughes Systique Blix Nyansa Wi-Fi Analytics Market Segmentation Analysis Segmentation analysis involves dividing the market into distinct groups based on certain criteria such as type and application. This helps in understanding the market dynamics, targeting specific customer groups, and devising tailored marketing strategies. Wi-Fi Analytics Market By Type On-Premise Cloud Wi-Fi Analytics Market By Applications Retail Automotive Hotels/Restaurants/Motels Stadium Airports Enterprises Hospitals Government Others Get Discount On The Purchase Of This Report @ https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/ask-for-discount/?rid=219282&utm_source=Openpr&utm_medium=210 Detailed TOC of Global Wi-Fi Analytics Market Research Report, 2023-2030 1. Introduction of the Wi-Fi Analytics Market ►Overview of the Market ►Scope of Report ►Assumptions 2. Executive Summary 3. Research Methodology of Verified Market Reports ►Data Minin ►Validation ►Primary Interview ►List of Data Sources 4. Wi-Fi Analytics Market Outlook ►Overview ►Market Dynamics ►Drivers ►Restraints ►Opportunities ►Porters Five Force Model ►Value Chain Analysis 5. Wi-Fi Analytics Market, By Product 6. Wi-Fi Analytics Market, By Application 7. Wi-Fi Analytics Market, By Geography ►North America ►Europe ►Asia Pacific ►Rest of the World 8. Wi-Fi Analytics Market Competitive Landscape ►Overview ►Company Market Ranking ►Key Development Strategies 9. Company Profiles 10. Appendix For More Information or Query, Visit @ https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/product/wi-fi-analytics-market/ Contact us: Mr. Edwyne Fernandes US: +1 (650)-781-4080 US Toll-Free: +1 (800)-782-1768 About Us: Verified Market Reports Verified Market Reports is a leading Global Research and Consulting firm servicing over 5000+ global clients. We provide advanced analytical research solutions while offering information-enriched research studies. We also offer insights into strategic and growth analyses and data necessary to achieve corporate goals and critical revenue decisions. Our 250 Analysts and SMEs offer a high level of expertise in data collection and governance using industrial techniques to collect and analyze data on more than 25,000 high-impact and niche markets. Our analysts are trained to combine modern data collection techniques, superior research methodology, expertise, and years of collective experience to produce informative and accurate research. This release was published on openPR.
Packers address two positions of need by adding former draft picks, including a national champion
I'm a big fan of Target ( TGT 2.80% ) , but it's hard to ignore the pain that was the company's third-quarter results. The retailer reduced its forecast for the year, saw weak traffic even after reducing prices on a lot of items, and faces a challenged consumer base that isn't as inclined to spend on discretionary items the way it was in the past. The result? Shares fell over 20% last week. Earnings Target reported earnings that came in well below expectations. The company reported Q3 earnings of $1.35 per share compared to expectations of $2.30, while revenues were a little under estimates of $25.90 billion. The quarter in and of itself isn't the only thing that shook investors, as there were costs associated with a port strike, but the company's lowered Q4 guidance is cause for concern. In their Q3 press release, Target's management noted that they anticipate flat comp-store sales in Q4, which would give the company a full-year range of $8.30 to $8.90 per share under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). That guidance would fall short of 2023's GAAP earnings of $8.94 per share. A mixed lineup One of the big challenges for Target right now is the division of its products. According to CNBC, more than half of the retailer's products are discretionary, giving the company a disadvantage relative to rivals like Walmart ( WMT 0.62% ) , which is heavily focused on things like groceries. The contrast can be seen in the fact that Walmart's most recent quarter was solid. The other attribute here is price. In Target's results, the company noted that it will have dropped prices on 10,000 items by the end of the year. When you're competing in a world where the consumer has become more scrupulous around spending, pricing pressure is going to happen. But it also impacts the potential of one's bottom line. The company cut a lot of prices prior to the beginning of the holiday season but only reported a slight increase in foot traffic, indicating that pricing changes might not be effective in alleviating the pain that Target displayed last week. Valuation Now expecting adjusted full-year earnings of $8.30 to $8.90 per share, Target is trading at 14.77 times earnings on a price-to-earnings ( P/E) ratio based on the high end of that guidance. That's below its five-year average of 19.27, but with expectations for a flat holiday season and finish to the year, the discounted price seems justified. Going off of analyst estimates for the future, the general average consensus seems to be for earnings of $8.65 per share in 2025 with high-end estimates calling for earnings of $9.58. Conservatively, that doesn't offer a ton of upside from 2024 expectations. On the higher end, it would have shares trading at 13.6 times 2025 estimates. Again, this is lower than the five-year average, but Target would truly have to knock it out of the park and hit the top end of its guidance. An unclear path Again, I'm a fan of Target, and five years ago I was all about Target shares. I rated them a buy, and 2021 investors were rewarded with a strong run by the stock. But that momentum didn't last. Overall, this might be a stock to avoid for the time being as the holiday quarter represents a very important time for retailers, and tepid forecasting doesn't provide much momentum for the stock. I'm all about value, but one doesn't want to get caught in the pesky "value trap." For long-term-oriented investors , this is a stock that has delivered less than 5% over the last five years. In my view, Target needs to become less involved in discretionary products and more involved in essentials. The stock is not necessarily something you want to own right now.Pumped up kicks
This ain't Texas—this is buffering. As Beyoncé gets ready to perform during the Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens Christmas Day halftime show at NRG Stadium in her hometown of Houston, she couldn't help but poke a bit of fun at Netflix , who will be live-streaming the game on their platform. In a video posted to her social media accounts Dec. 24 , the Grammy winner could be seen sitting on a football field wearing a flowing cape, big hat and sunglasses and strumming a banjo to the tune of her hit "Texas Hold 'Em." As Beyoncé removes her sunglasses, the camera zooms in on her face before giving viewers the classic Netflix red circle buffer. The "Diva" singer—who shares children Blue Ivy Carter , 12, and twins Rumi Carter and Sir Carter , 7, with husband Jay-Z —can then be heard laughing over the buffer, before the video cuts to a reminder about the game. "I'm sending you big joy and love on this Cowboy Christmas Eve," the 43-year-old wrote alongside the promo. "I'll see y'all tomorrow, in my city HTX." And of course fans were delighted by the trolling, with Netflix even jumping in to share their own thoughts. "now hold on...," they wrote in the comments of her video on X , formerly Twitter, before changing their bio on the platform to, "roasted by beyoncé 12.24.25." Beyoncé's halftime performance marks the first time she's taken the stage since wrapping her Renaissance World Tour in October 2023, and also the first since the March release of her latest album, Cowboy Carter . And while the Texans-Ravens game will start streaming on Netflix at 4:30 p.m. ET, fans will still have three hours to catch her performance on the platform after the game ends, according to Variety . (Although if you're outside the United States, the game expires 24 hours after the stream ends.) But it's not all about football for Beyoncé, as mom Tina Knowles recently shared a few of the family's holiday traditions that they'll be enjoying this year. "For the kids, we buy toys just like in any other family," she told E! News . "That's what they like." And it's not just gifts they'll be enjoying, as Tina has another recipe for success up her sleeve, noting she'll be, "making my amazing gumbo." "I just made it for Thanksgiving," she added, "it was so many people that came over. Just good food and company and family." To see how more of your favorite stars are celebrating the holidays this year, keep reading. Christian Siriano The fashion designer attends David Barton and Susanne Bartsch ’s 25th annual toy drive at Gym U in New York City. Bronwyn Newport, Angie Katsanevas, Mary Cosby & Whitney Rose The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City costars escape the Utah snow to party at DIRECTV’s Christmas at Kathy’s bash in Beverly Hills. Larsa Pippen & Marysol Patton The Real Housewives of Miami costars rock Printfresh pajamas for Marysol's Recharge & Reset holiday pajama party. Kourtney Kardashian The Poosh founder gave fans a glimpse at her holiday decor, which included numerous Christmas trees all around her home, with one upside down. Kris Jenner The Kardashians star is definitely the most interesting to look at while attending Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party Benefitting Animal Haven and Camp Cocker Rescue in L.A. Cynthia Bailey & Crystal Kung Minkoff The Real Housewives stars co-host The Abbey’s 15th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in honor of World AIDS Day benefiting The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in West Hollywood. Kathy Hilton and Nicky Hilton The mother-daughter duo host the hottest holiday party in the 90210. Tarek El Moussa & Heather Rae El Moussa The lovebirds attend DIRECTV’s Christmas at Kathy’s party benefitting Ronald McDonald House charities. Heather Dubrow The Real Housewives of Orange County star swapped Prada for pajamas during Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party. Cynthia Bailey The Bravolebrity is pretty in pink at Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party. Lisa Barlow & Kathy Hilton The Real Housewives stars belt out a number at Kathy's DIRECTV bash in Beverly Hills. Dylan Mulvaney & Ashley Park The influencer and Emily and Paris star ring in the holidays in the comfiest way possible. Crystal Kung Minkoff The RHOBH alum attends BFF Kathy Hilton's holiday PJ party. John Janssen & Alexis Bellino The RHOC couple enjoy date night at DIRECTV’s Christmas at Kathy’s charity party. Kimora Lee Simmons The supermodel looks runway ready at Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party in L.A. Jennifer Tilly The RHOBH castmember is feeling festive at Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party. Nicky Hilton The entrepreneur kicks of the holiday season hosting a party alongside mom Kathy. Kathy Hilton The Real Housewives star is definitely feeling hunky dory this holiday season. Dorit Kemsley The RHOBH star strikes a pose in front of Kathy Hilton's Christmas tree. Kyle Richards & Faye Resnick The besties ring in the 2024 holiday season today at Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party. Erika Jayne The "Pretty Mess" singer has her hands full with some enviable stocking stuffers. Paula Abdul The "Straight Up" singer is comfy and cozy during Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party. Ashley Benson The actress stops by Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party. Jaime King The actress models a Kathy Hilton original.Roasted Coffee Market Size, Driving Factors, Growth Statistics, Competitive Landscape And Forecast To 2033
NoneAngel Reese Responds to 'Irritated' Fan's Cereals Complaint
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant scored the first pick 6 of his career on Sunday to give Seattle a third-quarter cushion against the Arizona Cardinals. He celebrated with a tribute to one of Seattle's favorite sons — a crotch grab in honor of Marshawn Lynch. It's a move that will surely cost Bryant some money while met with glowing reviews in the Pacific Northwest. The play took place midway through the third quarter as Seattle held a 7-3 lead. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray overthrew Michael Wilson on a fourth-and-1 pass from the Seattle 39. Bryant was there to pick it off. He then raced 69 yards down the left sideline to the end zone. When he reached the goal line, he leapt backward and grabbed his crotch a la Lynch to the delight of the home Seattle crowd. HOUSE CALL FOR COBY 🎱 — Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) The move was an ode to Lynch, the ex-Seahawks great who made the celebration his own much to the chagrin of the NFL. Lynch first pulled the move while scoring a touchdown in the 2015 NFC championship. The league for the gesture. The celebration has resurfaced multiple times since, with the most recent iteration just last week . Bryant, who's playing on the the third season of his four-year, $4.5 million rookie contract, should expect a fine in the same neighborhood. The Seahawks, meanwhile, are fully embracing Bryant's celebration on social media with a juxtaposition of Bryant's crotch grab next to Lynch's. Art But Make It... Marshawn. — Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) Who did it better?Variety ’s first-ever Faith & Media Impact Report recognizes a thriving segment of the entertainment industry that includes storytellers across the religion spectrum, artists and executives creating value-driven fare, offering uplifting creative experiences to people of all faiths. On Dec. 4, the Variety Faith and Spirituality in Entertainment Honors presented by the Coalition for Faith and Media will celebrate the people in report as well as Viola Davis and Julius Tennon (JuVee Prods.), “Bob Marley: One Love” accepted by Ziggy Marley, with an introduction by the CFAM, showrunner Erica Lipez (“We Were the Lucky Ones”), actor Jessica Matten (“Dark Winds”), actor Arian Moayed (co-founder, Waterwell), actor Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”) and author Jay Shetty. President and CEO Great American Media Thanks to his leadership building up the Hallmark Channel and its associated networks, Abbott was already a Broadcasting Hall of Famer in 2021 when he co-founded Great American Media. Abbott started with a pair of cable networks and then launched the brand’s “Great American Christmas” franchise. Since then, the company has expanded to comprise a FAST channel, an app and a streaming service, Great American Pure Flix, which will air 19 Christmas films this holiday season. “[It is] extraordinarily rewarding to hear from our viewers personally about how much they love our quality, original content,” says Abbott, “and especially how much they appreciate our efforts to positively influence culture.” Actor Ali converted to Islam in 2000 and has been involved in philanthropic and interfaith organizations for years, lending his voice to advocacy initiatives. The first Muslin to win a “best” Oscar, Ali starred as Sheikh Ali in six episodes of “Ramy,” Ramy Youssef’s series that followed the life of a twentysomething guy who happens to be Muslim. It was a character that Ali and Youssef both prayed about and for which Youssef consulted his own sheikh about. (He loved it.) The “Green Book” star has been in the forefront of Artists4Ceasefire, a collective formed in October 2023 in response to the “humanitarian crisis unfolding in Israel and Palestine,” according to the group. In September, the group launched a new campaign, “Ceasefire Now, Stop Weapons, Save Lives” that urges the halt to what it says are “weapons transfers that violate U.S. and international law.” Producer, “Mary” Aloe led the charge to bring a new retelling of the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, to Netflix, this time as an action-survival thriller. While consulting with scholars and clergy to ensure authenticity to the time, her team emphasized aspects of the story that had been downplayed in the past, including her determination to evade King Herod’s efforts to kill the prophesied messiah in the womb. “We made this film to bring to the world an opportunity to better understand Mary’s incredible commitment and sacrifice to life, as a mother,” says Aloe. “We wanted [people] to understand that her calling, against all odds, was bound by faith and driven by courage, and that she never gave up.” Actor, producer, musician The British-born Ahmed has long been an advocate for Muslim voices and South Asians in media. He’s on the selection committee of the Desi List, a partnership between The Black List and The Salon that evaluates scripts, and in 2021 led the creation of the Blueprint for Muslim Inclusion, as well as the Pillars Artist Fellowship, offering grantees an unrestricted award of $25,000. Both are in partnership with the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, the Ford Foundation and Pillars Fund. Upcoming, he has reteamed with “Long Goodbye” director Aneil Karia for “Hamlet,” which stars Amed as the melancholy Dane, and is creator and star of Prime series “Quarter Life.” Director Cannes Film Festival prize-winner “Emilia Pérez” deals with thorny problems: Can one literally become a different person by changing one’s body? Having done wrong, having been truly immoral, can one redeem one’s life through good acts? Audaciously, auteur Audiard explores that dilemma through a musical (!) about a lethal drug cartel leader who fakes his own death so (s)he can transition to being a woman (the titular Emilia), and who then starts an organization to help the families of cartel victims. Variety critic Peter Debruge called the film “dazzling and instantly divisive.” Audiard challenges his audience by using a figure that many would ostracize, both for their life as a drug lord and for being a trans woman, to embody the complexity of good and evil within a single soul. Based on Robert Harris’ bestselling 2016 novel detailing the political intrigues and crises of personal faith among the Catholic Church’s cardinals as they grapple with finding a successor to the recently expired pope, “Conclave” firmly sides with the Church’s reformers over its moss-backed traditionalists. “The church is what we do next,” says one key member of this cloistered clan as his words become the light of an uplifting shift that takes “Conclave” from a tale of petty foibles to a bold statement about the power of love as the hand of God. Berger notes: “As Leonard Cohen says, ‘There’s a crack in everything; that’s how the light gets in.’ In ‘Conclave,’ we move through the oldest patriarchal institution in the world. At the end of the movie, the foundations of this institution have a crack. And behind that crack there is a light. A light of hope for a world that embraces change.” Founder & CEO, Mission Pictures Intl. “Having been one in a very small group of consistent modern day faith film pioneers, it’s been incredibly exciting to see the floodgates of opportunity open throughout Hollywood,” says Bond. Variety flagged the golf-pro- turned-actor-turned-fledgling-producer Bond as “one to watch” in 1996. In the years since, her inspirational films include “Redeeming Love,” “I Can Only Imagine” and Hallmark film “Enchanted Christmas.” She boasts dozens of credits as producer or executive producer with more projects announced and in development, including a sequel she birthed. Going forward, she aims to “continue my pursuit of commercial excellence to produce film and television projects that inspire audiences worldwide.” Kingdom Story Co. has a sterling track record in faith-friendly entertainment; they have had six releases with an A+ Cinemascore rating, including 2023’s “Jesus Revolution.” And they’ve been busy, with recent theatrical releases “Ordinary Angels,” “Unsung Hero,” “White Bird” and “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” (directed by Dallas Jenkins, who is also on this list), with “The Unbreakable Boy” coming in 2025, all in partnership with Lionsgate. CEO Downes says, “I am proud that each of these films has not only entertained but also sparked conversations about faith and resilience.” Chief creative officer Andy Erwin adds, “I’m excited to continue using film to bridge the gap between faith and entertainment.” Producer-Actor “Touched by an Angel” established Downey in the firmament of faith entertainment stars and she has never given up her commitment to that space. She produced 2023’s “On a Wing and a Prayer” for Amazon Prime. In 2024, she was back on the streamer with “The Baxters,” for which she is exec producer and plays the family matriarch. “I lovingly nurtured and developed [‘The Baxters’] over a number of years, and to see it finally on the screen and to hear the beautiful reactions to it has been very gratifying,” she says. Downey launched shingle Mrs. B Prods. that will make her next Amazon project, a holiday rom-com to star Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox. Writer-director-actor, “A Real Pain” When Eisenberg visited his grandmother’s onetime home in Poland — the house is a location in the film — he was so moved he determined to share the experience, first through a play, then through his film “A Real Pain.” A buddy picture about a pair of estranged cousins visiting their ancestral shtetl isn’t obviously a story about a spiritual journey. But usually, spiritual journeys are spurred by pain, and the cousins are suppressing plenty of it, including grief for their grandmother. “[‘A Real Pain’ is] questioning what is real and what is valid pain,” says Eisenberg. The film shows that sometimes the first step toward healing is restoring connection, and that is inherently spiritual. The Wonder Project launched in Decemeber 2023, with backing from UTA, Lionsgate, Jason Blum and others, as an independent production company “focused on telling stories that restore faith in things worth believing in.” Founder Jon Erwin and CEO Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten bring plenty of experience to their new endeavor. Hoogstraten was a senior executive at YouTube and Netflix; Erwin shared directing, writing and producing credit on “Jesus Revolution.” “Entertaining with a purpose is a magical, beautiful privilege because it really can change people’s lives,” he says. The Wonder Project hit the ground running; it has already shot the TV series “House of David” in 2024. “I’m so proud,” says Hoogstraten, “because it truly is an epic series. I can’t wait for a global audience to see it.” Until this year, the Foster sisters were known for “The World’s First Podcast With Erin and Sara Foster” and for their clothing line, Favorite Daughter. But their lives changed after Erin, who identified as agnostic, fell in love with and married a Jewish man and converted to Judaism. They worked up a TV pitch based on her experiences — which almost everyone passed on, except Netflix. Today, “Nobody Wants This” is delighting audiences by mining laughs in the connection between two people with profoundly different outlooks. “I don’t think you can ever prepare yourself for the response the show has gotten,” says Sara. Netflix has renewed it for a second season. CEO, Franklin Entertainment Variety named Franklin as a producer to watch in 2016, two years after he launched his company, and he has justified the choice in multiple ways. He’s an ordained minister, a best-selling author, a motivational speaker and producer with both theatrical films (“Flamin’ Hot”) and television series (“Kingdom Business”) among his credits; he’s also an AMPAS governor-at-large. In May, he announced a partnership with Tyler Perry to produce faith-based films for Netflix, and he has a first-look deal with CBS. “I feel like I’m just getting started,” he says. “I still want to accomplish finding more ways to bring people hope and inspire people.” Actor Gere has been associated with Tibet and Buddhism for half a century, but his free-Tibet activism has sometimes overshadowed his advocacy for Buddhist practice. Yet he has dedicated time to Buddhist meditation every day throughout that time, and he has been generous about explaining what he does and what he’s learned. In a 2022 interview, he said his greatest takeaway from Buddhism has been “that the best way to navigate the world we live in, samsara, is through a sense of universal responsibility. That there’s no one outside of our concern. There’s no thing outside of our concern. To the extent that we are able to develop ourselves, we are responsible for the whole universe.” The actor and activist can be seen in Paul Schrader’s “Oh, Canada” and Paramount+ thriller “The Agency.” Director, “Bob Marley: One Love” In his first feature as director, “Monsters and Men,” Green’s characters grappled with painful moral dilemmas in a world tinged with violence. With “Bob Marley: One Love,” his titular hero, already injured once in an assassination attempt, faced a pivotal choice: whether to return to the stage and share his message of hope and love through his music, or not. Green calls the film “one of the most important projects of my career so far, both personally and professionally. I’m honored audiences around the world continue to share their love of the film and Bob through his music, his family and his legacy.” Showrunner, “Reservation Dogs” The beloved FX series was shot with themes of community, family, friendship, love and loss, seen through the eyes of four Native American teens in Oklahoma. Harjo, himself a Native American from Oklahoma, used mostly Indigenous talent, both in front of and behind the camera. The series also weaves in spirituality, with the characters talking with dead ancestors, having visions and allowing a look at Indigenous traditions and rites around important milestones. “Dogs” also features Spirit, played by Dallas Goldtooth, who regularly appears to guide Bear (D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai) as the young man tries to get through life. And, oh yeah, the show is very funny too. Harjo and Goldtooth have both joined with the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition to promote passage of the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act. Angel Studios made a splash with the feature “Sound of Freedom,” which grossed some $251 million worldwide. But what may be even more impressive is its business model, which crowdsources choices about what to distribute to the 375,000 members of the Angel Guild — 104,000 of those members have invested $80 million in Angel Studios projects. On the slate for 2025, the studio reunites with “Sound of Freedom” director Alejandro Monteverde for “Bethlehem,” the Massacre of the Innocents story reimagined as a thriller, “Rule Breakers,” about the girls who defiantly formed a robotics team in Afghanistan, and “The Last Rodeo,” based on the true story of bull rider Joe Wainwright. Founder & CEO, UP Entertainment, UPtv More than a half-century after he took his first job in television production, and more than 20 years after he founded UP Entertainment, Humbard is still finding new ways to uplift viewers. UP Entertainment has a diverse array of brands and networks, but their unifying goal is to provide inspiring programming. In 2024 he struck a partnership with Minno, a subscription streaming service aimed at kids. A future goal, he says, is to “grow our streaming service, UP Faith & Family, to 15 million subscribers as the leading independent faith and family brand.” He is going beyond business deals, too: He created the company’s internal initiative “UPlift Someone,” which reminds others that simple acts of kindness can make a difference. Executive producer, “The Chosen” Jenkins’s Netflix’s hit “The Chosen” has turned into the mothership for a multi-show franchise. Production has begun on an animated spinoff, “The Chosen Adventures,” and an outdoor reality show featuring the Bear Grylls and the cast of “The Chosen.” This year, Jenkins held the second ChosenCon in Orlando and launched a new production company, 5&2 Studios, that will take over production of “The Chosen.” Meanwhile, he directed the theatrical feature “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” for Kingdom Story Co. and Lionsgate, a pic he says he’s wanted to make for almost 20 years. “I genuinely don’t develop specific goals about the future anymore, so I’ll just say I hope to continue to be telling God stories for the rest of my life,” he says. He’s already on that path, with two more Bible-inspired series in development. Singer, actor, artist, advocate Jewel has long been a mental health advocate but she took that side of her life to a new level with “The Portal: An Art Experience by Jewel” at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Ark. Jewel designed the audio-visual art experience to be a space for reflection, connection, and transformation, aiming to induce introspection, self-awareness and well-being in attendees. “A middle-aged journalist from a hard-boiled publication came up to me at the end of ‘The Portal’ weeping,” she says, “and told me how much the experience meant to him. It was profoundly humbling.” Director, “All We Imagine as Light” Indian helmer Kapadia’s third feature played in May’s Cannes festival competition and won the Grand Jury Prize. The film follows two overworked nurses — who are also roommates — in bustling, crowded Mumbai, their shared experience that creates unshakeable bonds between them, and how that friendship can lift up their souls and free them. “I was interested in looking at friendship, a relationship that has no real definition. As one grows older, our friends become a stronger support system to us, sometimes even more than our families,” said Kapadia in press notes. As Variety’s Jesica Kiang wrote in her review of the film: “The light is all around them, and if they have to imagine it, it’s only because they cannot see it emanates from within.” Director, “Red One” Some now-beloved holiday films were greeted coolly at first — “It’s Wonderful Life,” and “The Polar Express,” to name two — and Amazon’s big Christmas actioner “Red One” may become a perennial treat, too, despite its critical drubbing. Santa is a superstar of this fantasy world, not because he brings presents, but because he never gives up on anyone. His bodyguard/security chief Callum (Dwayne Johnson) has lost that faith and the film’s dramatic drive comes from his need to regain his belief in humanity. Even Santa’s demonic brother, Krampus, shows up with a soft spot for his goody-sleigh-shoes sibling. “Red One” is big, loud and frantic but its heart is filled with the Holiday Spirit. Actor, musician Quaid laid bare his personal struggles on his hit inspirational album “Fallen: A Gospel Record for Sinners,” which reveals a daily struggle that many in recovery — like Quaid — can relate to. Long a spiritual seeker, he told Variety in 2023 that he “originally identified as Christian, then I turned to Buddhism, and I read the Dhammapada and then I read the Quran and the Bhagavad Gita and I read the Bible four times, cover to cover.” Today, the “Reagan” star says, “I talk to God a lot, every day. I question everything I do. I believe it’s about keeping trying. It’s about self-examination and throwing your ego out the door.” Writer-director, “The Wild Robot” If spirituality is a search for meaning and connection with something greater than ourselves, “The Wild Robot” finds it in an unlikely soul: Roz the robot, who transcends her programming to become parent and protector of a gosling. “It was the kindness that flowed through the narrative which we all fell in love with,” says Sanders. “Roz is a programmed machine, so the aspirational altitudes she inhabited didn’t just belong, they were the heart and soul of the story.” Based on Peter Brown’s award-winning novel, and steered by Sanders’ sure hand, “The Wild Robot” shows how connecting with nature can awaken compassion and empathy in any heart, even a silicon one. Filmmaker-producer Scorsese’s approach to “The Last Temptation of Christ” was off-putting to some doctrinaire Christians but few directors have grappled as openly or as deeply with the meaning of Catholicism and the Bible. With docudrama series “Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints,” which he produced and narrated, he has gone beyond the Bible to examine the acts of holy men and women. “These are stories of eight very different men and women ... struggling to follow the way of love revealed to them and to us by Jesus’ words in the Gospels,” he said in a statement. He’s also in pre-production for “A Life of Jesus,” described as “an unconventional take” on the life of Christ. Founding partner & CEO, Pinnacle Peak Pictures “Faith films appeal beyond the Christian audience,” says Scott. “Time and time again I see people from all walks of life looking for films that inspire or uplift their spirit regardless of their background.” Scott speaks from experience: he has been producing for almost 25 years and has more than 40 feature films and nine TV series among his producer credits. He’s co-founder of faith-friendly streaming service Pure Flix and of Pinnacle Peak Pictures, which had two releases in 2024: “God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust,” the latest entry in the popular “God’s Not Dead” franchise; and “Average Joe.” Director, producer He describes himself as an atheist and his films often take a dim view of organized religion, but that belies the respect for spiritual practice shown in his films and his critical view of society’s moral failings. In “Exodus: Gods and Kings,” he framed Moses’ story as the creation of an ethical system that does not depend on the regular intervention of a deity. “Gladiator” treated the ancestor worship of pre-Christian Rome seriously, and in “Gladiator II,” it’s the heroes of the tale who put their faith in their fellow man and in building a fair and uncorrupt society. Scott’s interest in individual spiritual searchers and his films’ pleas for us all to live better represents an individualistic but profound form of faith. If rabbis are unusual characters in films, cantors are downright rare, and adult bat mitzvahs are unheard of. Screwball comedy “Between the Temples” brings together two people at a crossroads: A widowed cantor who’s lost his voice, and his childhood music teacher, now also widowed and exploring her Jewish heritage for the first time. Filmmakers Silver and Wells enlisted consultants to make sure they adhered to the letter and spirit of Judaism. “We’d ask them a question and they’d be like, well, it depends,” says Silver. “There are a million possible answers. And that is Judaism: it’s a life spent questioning.” The Smallbone duo have had 13 No. 1 hits; their music has been streamed more than 2 billion times; and they’ve won numerous awards including four Grammys. Now they’ve made the leap to movies. Joel made his feature film directing debut, co-helming (as well as starring in and co-writing) “Unsung Hero,” for Kingdom Story Co. and Lionsgate. Luke is a producer on the pic. The picture, based on the Smallbone family’s own story, spawned an album and a concert tour. “My greatest sense of surprise recently,” Joel says, “has been in the fact that we were actually able to cross the bridge from music to movies and pull it off with a little bit of grit and flair and artistic narrative integrity.” Writer-producer, “Genius: MLK/X” As a playwright and TV writer, Stetson has long portrayed Black leaders and men of faith. With “Genius: MLK/X,” he looked at the lives of two martyred civil rights icons: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. The series is inspired in part by Stetson’s own stage play “The Meeting,” imagining the sole meeting between the two. King and X embraced different religions, methods and philosophies, but “Genius” shows that both men leaned on their faith as they took stands that endangered their lives, with King speaking out against the Vietnam war and X leaving the Nation of Islam to become a Sunni Muslim. “I write with a love for the people I represent and the belief that individuals are capable of great change and achievement,” Stetson said in a 2016 interview. “More than anything else, I write not only about what is true but what can become true with courage, honor and dedication.” Adapted from August Wilson’s play (Washington calls the process of adaptation “a terrifying and sacred undertaking”) Netflix’s “The Piano Lesson” illuminates how connection with ancestors feeds spiritual connection. The Depression-era Charles family is wrestling with ghosts — both literally and figuratively. They’re haunted by the slave owner who tormented their family long ago and torn over how to deal with their family legacy. A minister tries an exorcism, but for this family, healing comes not from the power of the Lord but from making peace with their forebears. “May this work be an offering to the ancestors, a humble act of gratitude and tribute to them,” says Washington of the film. Musician-actor Williams, like so many others in entertainment, has basked in fame only to have to reinvent himself as fans moved on. In “Piece by Piece,” which was released Oct. 11, he tells his life story through animated Lego pieces. Having tasted the bitter and the sweet, he has strong ideas about faith. In published interviews, he’s said he’s felt the power of the Word, but he believes some people aren’t made to be religious. “Do I think that Christianity is the only way?” he wonders. “No. I think the only route for everything is their connection to God.” It’s unconventional but inclusive view that suits him, just as the film does. Actor “I believe, and I know, that we are spiritual beings having a human experience ... So why does the storytelling oftentimes not reflect this reality?” Wilson wondered onstage at a February Variety event. He’s long been trying to address that issue, from the founding of Soul Pancake in 2008 through his book “Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution” and the launch this year of his Soul Boom podcast. The SAG Award winner says, “My journey tiptoeing into the world of kind of spirituality and in media really came from some mental health crises that I had undergone as a youth, and some issues that I’d had where I found great solace and peace and meaning through spirituality.” Singer-songwriter Singer-songwriter Zain is one of the biggest stars in the Islamic nasheed music genre. Mixing his devotional lyrics with contemporary pop and R&B beats, Zain has enjoyed popularity that’s expanded beyond the Middle East since he emerged 15 years ago. He’s also a tireless charity concert performer, raising millions for war-torn regions such as Syria and Lebanon. Earlier this month, he released a new song, “Lebanon,” a plea for peace that has racked up 500,000 views on his YouTube channel with 6 million followers.Trailers of the week: Minecraft, Elio, and Alien: Earth
Hyperallergic’s Art Tarotscope for the Winter SolsticeWicked defeats Gladiator II in theatres as 'Glicked' dominates the pre-Thanksgiving weekend box office Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com By ALESIA STANFORD FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 23:08, 24 November 2024 | Updated: 23:09, 24 November 2024 e-mail View comments Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo brought the magic to the big screen as Wicked: Part 1 pummeled rival Gladiator II for the win in a 'Glicked' matchup at the US Box Office. The lavish adaptation of the Tony winning Broadway musical has received high praise from critics , including Daily Mail's own Geraint Llewellyn, earning 90-percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Fans gave the highly anticipate film, based on the Gregory Maguire novel a warm 97-percent score. Set in the land of Oz, Wicked shares the backstory of Elphaba, played by Erivo, 37, known in The Wizard of Oz as the Wicked Witch of the West, portraying her as someone who was an outcast because of her green skin. Glinda the Good Witch, played by Grande, 31, is portrayed as Elphaba's bully turned friend from their days as roommates at Shiz University. The movie earned a record setting $114 million at the US box office, the most for any musical adaptation ever. It conjured up another $50.2 million internationally for a global take of $164,180,000, according to The Numbers . Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo brought the magic to the big screen as Wicked: Part 1 pummeled rival Gladiator II for the win in a 'Glicked' matchup at the US Box Office Read More Ariana Grande gushes about her fans before Wicked release The last time a musical did this well in the lead-up to the US Thanksgiving holiday was 2019's Frozen II. Gladiator II, the other newcomer earned less than half as much, but still pulled in a respectable $55.5 million it's first weekend in theaters. The action-adventure starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal and Oscar winner Denzel Washington, scored a tepid 71-percent from the critics on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences offering a more generous 84-percent approval rating. Gladiator II did much better internationally, earning $165.5 million for a first weekend total of $221 million globally. The two films together provided 81-percent of ticket sales according to Deadline . The last time the combined box office in the pre-Turkey day contest did this well was 2013 when Hunger Games: Catching Fire lead a $226.5 million box office total. Last week's number one Red One, dropped to third place. The new holiday tale starring Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Chris Evans as bounty hunters hired to rescued a kidnapped Santa Claus, played by JK Simmons found nearly $13.3 million in its stocking for the weekend. Wicked: Part 1 earned a record setting $114 million at the US box office, the most for any musical adaptation ever. It conjured up another $50.2 million internationally for a global take of $164,180,000 Gladiator II, the other newcomer earned less than half as much, but still pulled in a respectable $55.5 million it's first weekend in theaters. It did much better internationally, earning $165.5 million for a first weekend total of $221 million globally The fable has been popular internationally, with a global take of $117.1 million. Fourth place went to newcomer Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. from the faith-based Angel Studios. Jonas Dassler stars as a German pastor recruited to join a plot to kill Adolph Hitler. The film has received tepid reviews, but aggressive marketing on the Angels Studios app and to church groups helped the movie earn $5.1 million its first weekend in theaters. Venom: The Last Dance rounded out the top five, earning $4 million over the weekend. The Tom Hardy lead sci-fi thriller continues to enjoy a good run at theaters with a worldwide take so far of $456.425 million. Last week's number one Red One, dropped to third place. The new holiday tale starring Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Chris Evans as bounty hunters hired to rescued a kidnapped Santa Claus, played by JK Simmons found nearly $13.3 million in its stocking for the weekend Fourth place went to newcomer Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. from the faith-based Angel Studios. Jonas Dassler stars as a German pastor recruited to join a plot to kill Adolph Hitler. The movie earned $5.1 million its first weekend in theaters Venom: The Last Dance rounded out the top five, earning $4 million over the weekend The heartwarming The Best Christmas Pageant Ever dropped from its third place debut to number six. Judy Greer stars as a busy mom who volunteers to lead her small town's annual holiday production only to be sidelined by the Herdman siblings, who want to take over all the roles in the Nativity play. The new holiday classic earned $3.5 million its second week in theaters. Hugh Grant's scary performance in Heretic continued to give thrills and chills to audiences in seventh place. The heartwarming The Best Christmas Pageant Ever dropped from its third place debut to number six. The new holiday classic starring Judy Geer earned $3.5 million its second week in theaters Hugh Grant's scary performance in Heretic continued to give thrills and chills to audiences. The thriller in which Grant's Mr. Reed tests the faith of two Mormon sister missionaries played by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East was in seventh place with $2.23 million The Wild Robot, starring the voice of Lupita Nyong'o as the title character, continues to charm audiences. The animated adventure set on a remote island where the robot named Roz finds herself stranded, landed in eighth place, with a payday of $2 million The thriller in which Grant's Mr. Reed tests the faith of two Mormon sister missionaries played by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East dropped to seventh place and earned $2.23 million its third weekend in theaters. The Wild Robot, starring the voice of Lupita Nyong'o as the title character, continues to charm audiences. The animated adventure set on a remote island where the robot named Roz finds herself stranded, landed in eighth place, with a payday of $2 million. The film, which is considered to be an strong contender in the upcoming Hollywood awards season, has earned more than $317.4 worldwide. Smile 2 remained a staple at the box office, turning up in ninth place. The film in which a malevolent presence forces its victims to smile whether they want to or not made $1.1 million A Real Pain, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin as mis-matched cousins on a tour through their grandmother's native Poland rounded out the top 10. The buddy comedy earned $1.1 million Smile 2 remained a staple at the box office, turning up in ninth place. The film in which a malevolent presence forces its victims to smile whether they want to or not made $1.1 million. The thriller has earned more than $67 million domestically and another $68.1 internationally for a global total of $135.85 million. A Real Pain, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin as mis-matched cousins on a tour through their grandmother's native Poland rounded out the top 10. The buddy comedy earned $1.1 million its fourth week in limited release. Ariana Grande Cynthia Erivo Share or comment on this article: Wicked defeats Gladiator II in theatres as 'Glicked' dominates the pre-Thanksgiving weekend box office e-mail Add commentESTERO, Fla. (AP) — Sydney Shaw scored 20 points and made four 3-pointers, JJ Quinerly added 14 points and No. 12 West Virginia handed Boise State its first loss, 82-47 on Saturday in the Gulf Coast Showcase. West Virginia advances to the championship game on Sunday, while Boise State plays for third place. The Mountaineers have started 8-0 in back-to-back seasons after last year's 11-0 beginning. Quinerly also had three steals to help West Virginia reach double figures in that category in every game this season. The Mountaineers also forced 20-plus turnovers for the eighth straight game. Boise State was held to just six points in the first and third quarters. West Virginia went on two 10-0 runs in the first quarter to build a 16-point lead. The Mountaineers led by double figures the rest of the way. It was 45-23 at halftime then Quinerly scored four straight points to begin a 9-0 run that ended in a 32-point lead. Freshman Jordan Thomas, coming off her first career double-double, had 10 points and six rebounds for West Virginia. Elodie Lalotte scored 11 points for Boise State (7-1). Teryn Gardner addd 10. West Virginia was coming off an 89-54 victory over High Point on Friday to begin the tournament. The Mountaineers led by as many as 39 points and forced 22 turnovers in that one. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball